Shillong, May 01, 2026: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today launched a series of major welfare initiatives for construction workers during the Celebration of International Workers’ Day held at the U.Soso Tham Auditorium, in Shillong, reaffirming the Government’s commitment towards labour welfare, social security, dignity of labour, and inclusive development.

The initiatives were launched in the presence of workers, labour representatives, officials, and stakeholders from across the State.

Addressing the International Workers’ Day celebration organised by the Labour Commissioner and the Meghalaya Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the Chief Minister linked the State’s economic growth directly with worker welfare, employment generation, and labour protection.

“Today Meghalaya is the second fastest growing economy in the country. In the North East, we are definitely the fastest growing economy,” Chief Minister said. “Not only are we the fastest growing, but more importantly we are consistently growing. It is not just a one-time or one-year event. Consistently, we have been maintaining a growth rate of 10%.”, he added.

Highlighting the scale of development currently underway, Chief Minister informed that there are more than 5,000 infrastructure projects worth nearly 29,000 crore presently being implemented across the State, and that these projects have directly translated into nearly 20,000 new jobs for the common people.

“With this 10% growth rate, we have about Rs 29,000 crores worth of infrastructure projects taking place as we speak,” he said, adding that there are “5,000 such projects worth Rs 29,000 crores.”

The Government’s labour welfare framework, Chief Minister stated that construction projects contribute a mandatory 1% Labour Cess, which is channelled directly towards the welfare and protection of workers through the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (MBOCWWB).

“So, Rs 5,000 will be transferred to your account today itself and this comes from that one percent cess collected from infrastructure projects worth beyond Rs 10 lakh, as one percent is paid as labour cess. This money is then given back to our labourers,” he said.

Explaining the funding framework, the Chief Minister further stated, “As per the central laws and acts, one percent is always taken as labour cess. Just to share with all of you, the amount collected today touches almost Rs 400 crores in terms of the labour cess that is available at the disposal of the labour department and this is happening because of the economic growth.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted that Meghalaya today has among the highest wage rates for unskilled labourers in the country and the highest in the North East.

“Other states in the North East are giving approximately Rs 400 per day, Meghalaya is giving Rs 525 per day for unskilled labour, which is the highest in the North East. The highest in the country is Rs 581 in Karnataka and the second highest is Goa at Rs 535, and Meghalaya today is at number three.”

“Even though economically we are much smaller than these states, our policy decision to ensure that we have the highest unskilled labour rates of Rs 525 ensures that with the economic growth and implementation of Rs 29,000 crores worth of projects, not only does the infrastructure grow, but our labourers and workers directly benefit from this,” he added.

The Chief Minister stated that the Government’s policy direction has been to ensure that economic growth directly translates into employment opportunities, improved wages, and welfare protections for workers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “On International Workers’ Day, we recognise the hands that build our homes, our roads, and our future. We are happy to mark this day with the launch of a series of transformative welfare initiatives for our construction workers, honouring their invaluable contributions to the development of Meghalaya.”

Among the major initiatives launched and announced today were:
CM LIGHT (Chief Minister’s Labour Income Grant and Health Transformation): Under the scheme, eligible workers will receive ₹5,000 as direct financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer support.

The Chief Minister announced that more than 11,000 workers across the State will receive the benefit directly into their bank accounts.

Startup Toolkit Support Scheme, Skilled workers will be provided essential tools to encourage self-employment, entrepreneurship, and livelihood generation.

The initiative will strengthen educational access for workers’ children through reserved seats and full fee waivers for eligible students.

The program focuses on investment in community infrastructure in worker populated areas.

Digital Labour Chowk App: A one-stop digital platform enabling workers to access welfare schemes, employment opportunities, and labour-related services.

Extension of Central Social Security Schemes, the extension of PM-SYM, PMJJBY, and PMSBY for construction workers was also announced, with premiums to be borne by the Welfare Board.

Highlighting the welfare protections currently available for registered workers through the Welfare Board, the Chief Minister said, “Financial assistance for education from Rs 1,500 up to Rs 14,300, financial assistance for marriage up to Rs 8,000, maternity benefits up to Rs 10,000, family and welfare pension of up to 50% pension and Rs 1,500 per month once they are retired, funeral assistance up to Rs 5,000, and medical assistance up to Rs 10,000.”

“Apart from this, there is Rs 2 lakh life insurance coverage and Rs 2 lakh accident coverage,” he added.

The Chief Minister also announced support for schools through the cess fund. “Now there are schools who will be receiving different benefits in terms of construction work. We have 12 schools that we are supporting throughout the State and these schools will get funds for infrastructure development. About Rs 50 lakh per school will be given from this amount,” he said.

“Five percent of the admissions done in these schools will be for families of our workers and these children will get education for free. You cannot take tuition fees from them. This is how we are helping schools build up their infrastructure and at the same time helping our labourers, workers, and their families get quality education without the pressure and headache of paying fees,” Sangma said.

Reiterating the Government’s development approach, the Chief Minister said, “While taking our state forward in terms of economic growth and infrastructure development, we are ensuring that no one is left behind. We are ensuring every single person gets benefited and is part of the process of growth.”

Expressing gratitude to the workers of the State, the Chief Minister called international workers day a very apt day to thank all of the state’s workers for their contributions to the state.

“The hard work and sacrifices that each one of you put in is the reason why our state is moving forward and we are here to recognise that. It is not just in words, but also in action that we are showing our gratitude.” he said.

The Chief Minister also urged wider registration of workers under the Welfare Board so that more labourers across Meghalaya are able to access the welfare protections and benefits currently available.